Sustainability At CDS
CDS have been working hard over the last two years to make our school more sustainable. Last year we were awarded a Sustainability Leadership Award for all the hard work we have done.
There were over 60 schools nominated for this award and we were the winners in the category of Primary School Team Award.
What we have been up to:
The 3/4 Sustainability squad
Students from Year 3 and Year 4 have applied and been selected to be part of our Sustainability squad. This squad works through the school promoting special sustainability events across the school, collecting rubbish around the school premises, presenting at assemblies, monitoring recycling bins, training classes on waste wise practises, dressing up and presenting the Sustainability Awards at assembly.
Our Recycling Practices
At CDS we have mixed recycling across the school. Each classroom has their own recycling bin and students learn about the importance of recycling.
Soft Plastics recycling – Each classroom has a special bin to recycle any soft plastics. These are collected by our Sustainability Squad and are taken down to the local shops to be recycled.
Pens and Markers – Each class collects any used pens and markers. These are taken down to Officeworks to be recycled using Terracycle. Terracycle is a fantastic company that works to provide recycling solutions for many different items that otherwise could not be recycled. For more information on Terracycle go to https://www.terracycle.com/en-AU/.
ACT Container Deposit Scheme – At CDS we collect poppers, cans, glass and plastic bottles. These recycling items are then taken by our Sustainability Squad down to the large purple container outside Charnwood Shops to be recycled. Each item we returns earns 10c for our school. So far, we have earnt over $190 which will be put towards other sustainability initiatives around our school.
What can go in return and earn?
- Poppers
- Cans
- Glass bottles
- Plastic bottles
What can’t go in return and earn?
- Plain milk bottles or cations
- Glass wine bottles
- Glass spirit bottles
- Cordial bottles
- Juice containers over 1 litre
For more information on what can be recycled using the Container Deposit Scheme go to https://actcds.com.au/eligible-containers/
What else are we doing around the school?
- Teaching and learning around sustainable practices and the importance of sustainability
- Participating in events – Recently we participated in Earth Hour and clean up Australia Day.
- Garden – We have a school garden and are hoping to work toward utilising this space to grow fruits and veggies.
- Planting trees – In 2020 we were awarded a large grant to plant trees on our school grounds.
If you are interested in getting involved and helping us to become more sustainable, please contact us at info@charnwoodps.act.edu.au